Spring and summer means the kids are getting outdoors and so are we! I used to live on my bike even through my teenage years and survived many crashes! However, some people have not been that lucky and brain damage or serious injury has occurred in thousands of people, which is why using a bike helmet is required in many cities across the nation. If your kids are bike riding age, make sure they use a helmet. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.
Tips on Buying Bicycle Helmets
When shopping around for a high-quality and proper fitting bicycle helmet you should avoid the discount retailers and shop for your helmets at sporting good stores or bicycle shops. These types of stores have sales staff on-hand to help you select the perfect helmet for your needs. In addition, they typically carry a wider selection of products at varying price points to fit within your budget.
Look for helmets that have the “Consumer Product Safety Commission” sticker inside the helmet or on the box. Avoid purchasing any that do not carry this sticker! You want a helmet that has passed the sturdy testing that the Consumer Product Safety Commission puts them through. Something similar to these bike helmet mips would be great!
Take all helmets out of their packaging and inspect them inside and out for any noticeable flaws. Put the helmet on your head or your child’s head to see if it fits comfortably. Do not get a helmet that is too big or too small. Try many different styles on for size and look for the most comfortable one.
The straps should be adjustable and should fit snuggly underneath your chin. If it is not comfortable, size up or size down depending on the fit. They should be able to be adjusted quite easily and shouldn’t be ones that you have to fumble a lot with it. You want to be able to remove your helmet quickly and easily.
Avoid purchasing helmets that are beat up and found on the secondary market, ie. Yard Sales, Online Auctions, and Flea Markets. You have no idea what that helmet has been through and if it has ever been in an accident or has been recalled for safety issues.
Helmets are not a one-size fits all! You can find ones that are for any size or shape of head that you may need. Some are better suited for recreational use and others are for professional riders or mountain bikers. Look for one for the specific type of riding that you and your children will be doing.
If you need help finding the right helmet, ask for help! The safety of the child or you is depending on it. Have fun riding!
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You are right that it is important to,check the fit for each child as well as adult. I didn’t know to look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker.
this is a really good post – I hadn’t about Consumer Product Safety Commission. I never really thought about it that much, but it an excellent quality helmet is worth it. and then make sure it is used!
This is very timely advice. Around us they have volunteers at the parks a few times in the summer, that for a donation will give and fit anyone for a helmet. Great program.
With growing kids, it’s good to check the fit often to make sure the helmet is protecting properly.
I have no further tips, except for perhaps setting an example. By wearing your own helmet when biking, your child is more apt to take it as matter of course – “When we ride, we wear our helmets”.
I had no idea there was so much to consider when buying a helmet thanks for letting us know.